Qualitative Research : What Is It and How Can It Be Used in TESOL in Thailand?

Authors

Araya Maurice
Keith Maurice

Publication Date

1987-01-01

Abstract

Because qualitative research is not very well known in TESOL circles in Thailand and because there is much potential for using it here, it seems worthwhile to describe what it is and to mention a few areas it could be used to explore. In this paper, the authors briefly describe its basic characteristics, give examples of its methodology, cite differences between qualitative and quantitative approaches, mention established uses and possibilities for use in Thailand, and finally note a couple of cautions to overeager readers. The key characteristics of qualitative research revolve around a natural setting, the researcher as main instrument, the descriptive quality of the data, concern for process over product, the use of inductive analysis, and the paramount importance of meaning. Types of methodology include participant observation, in-depth interviewing, document analysis, diary study, and so on. The differences between qualitative and quantitative research are many, including the key concepts, the goals, the approaches to design, types of data collected, samples used, instruments used, ways of analyzing the data, and the types of problems that researchers have.

DOI

10.58837/CHULA.PASAA.17.2.3

First Page

22

Last Page

28

Recommended Citation

Maurice, Araya and Maurice, Keith (1987) "Qualitative Research : What Is It and How Can It Be Used in TESOL in Thailand?," PASAA: Vol. 17: Iss. 2, Article 3.
DOI: 10.58837/CHULA.PASAA.17.2.3
Available at: https://digital.car.chula.ac.th/pasaa/vol17/iss2/3